Wanganui’s biggest ever rugby opportunity will come to a head this Saturday on home ground!

Wanganui has qualified at the top of the Heartland Championship/Meads Cup unbeaten, resulting in a final playoff against Wairarapa Bush at Cooks Gardens from 4.35pm!

Mayor Michael Laws is urging the Wanganui community to get behind the team by dressing up the city in blue and black this week and heading to the game on Saturday.

"We want everyone there on Saturday – it will be a fantastic family occasion and the boys need our support. Wairarapa-Bush will be sending supporters in bus-loads and they will be loud and noisy. We must drown them out!"

The Wanganui rugby team last weekend proved their skills, dedication and determination in front of a crowd of around 3500 at Cooks Gardens, by beating Mid Canterbury 30-17 in the Meads Cup semi final.

Mayor Laws will once again put up cash prizes for this weekend's match including 10 chances to win $100 with 'catch the gas-fired singlets' and $250 for the best-dressed supporter.

Grab your tickets early!

You can ensure your spot for this Saturday's rugby game by buying tickets in advance from the Royal Wanganui Opera House.

Tickets are available now and cost $7 for adults and $2 for students. Eftpos and credit card facilities are available.

The Royal Wanganui Opera House is open 9.30am to 5.30pm Wednesday to Friday; 10.00am to 4.35pm (kick-off time) Saturday.

Let's paint the city blue and black!

Mayor Michael Laws is encouraging all sectors of Wanganui to make this a “blue and black week” in support of the Wanganui rugby team as they head into the Heartland Championship/Meads Cup final this Saturday.

“Let’s fly the colours proudly and show the team how much we support them. Then let’s pack Cooks on Saturday and roar them on.”

The Wanganui District Council has been getting into the spirit of things and showing its support by flying the Wanganui rugby flag, blue and black dress days and the staff on the Customer Services Desk wearing Wanganui rugby jerseys.

Mayor Michael Laws and Chief Executive David Warburton are pictured with the Wanganui Rugby Union flag flying on the Council building in Guyton Street.

Wanganui will come alive to the soulful sounds of many well known jazz artists this Labour Weekend for the 2006 Wanganui Jazzboat Festival.

This year's Festival offers an array of events including cruises on the historic paddlesteamer, the PS Waimarie, concerts, and free daytime jazz performances in various cafes and bars around the city.

The Festival swings into action on Friday, October 20, with a 'Champagne 'n' Jazz' riverboat cruise aboard the PS Waimarie from 6.00–8.00pm, featuring the Twin City Stompers. A 'Blues Evening' with Bullfrog Rata and the Undertakers will follow at the popular Stellar Restaurant and Bar from 8.00pm.

Saturday's 'Gala Concert' will bring you a solo acoustic performance from renowned bluesman, Bullfrog Rata, a swinging time with the Twin City Stompers and other performers.

Sunday sets off with a 'Brunch 'n' Jazz' riverboat cruise at 11.00am, with music from the Twin City Stompers.

The weekend will wind up with the musical extravaganza 'All That’s Jazz' on Sunday, starting at 7.00pm at Stellar Restaurant and Bar.

Tickets for events are available from the Royal Opera House and www.ticketdirect.co.nz.

Programmes of events are available from i-SITE Wanganui, 101 Guyton Street.

The Wanganui District Council and the New Zealand Society of Genealogists would like to invite you to an open day at the historic Heads Road Cemetery this Saturday, October 21, from 2-5pm, to celebrate Family History Day.

The day will include guided walks around the Heads Road Cemetery, one of New Zealand’s oldest public cemeteries, followed by a working bee to tidy up the site.

Come along to learn more about becoming a Friend of Heads Road Cemetery and help clean up the memorials to some of our most famous early citizens. Refreshments will be provided.

Vacancies

Principal Planner
Applications close 22 October 2006

Resource Management Planner
Applications close 22 October 2006

Human Resource Manager
Applications close 22 October 2006

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council Meeting – Monday, October 30 (Council Chamber)

Community Development – Tuesday, November 7

Finance and Administration – Thursday, November 9

The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in October.

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.